Everyone loves an excuse for a holiday. Sunday, Oct. 8, otherwise known as National Children’s Day, was no exception as we saluted America’s rug rats.

Just because the 1980s are long gone and we’re taller than four feet doesn’t mean that we can’t still act like kids once and a while. Even those of us approaching our mid-20s can get away with more childish behavior than we previously thought. The theory is: until you have a child, you can act like one.

Putting the blame on someone else worked all the time when we were kids. Our parents would get tired of hearing their version of nails on a chalkboard, “No, he did it!” and eventually gave up. Did it really matter who dug up mom’s tulips? Not really, as long as she didn’t have to listen to us complain or tattle.

Here are some tips for honoring National Children’s Day by letting your inner child come out in its full glory.

##Be a tattle-tale

If you live with roommates, blaming lazy so-and-so for not doing the dishes will stop the other roommates from yelling at you. With everyone’s different schedules, a lack of communication is prevalent. They won’t find out about his or her innocence until the incident has passed. If it worked back then, why not now?

##Eat sugary cereal

The manufacturers were lying when they said, “Trix are for kids.” These cereals are almost nutritious and shouldn’t kids be eating the Grape Nuts, anyways? They’re the ones that still need to grow.

Angela Kutz, a University of Wisconsin senior, admits that there’s something appealing about men digging through the Fruit Loops box.

“Men who eat kid’s cereal are sexy,” Kutz says. “It shows that they don’t take life too seriously.”

And we shouldn’t either.

##Cry like a baby

Kids also don’t care if someone sees them cry. A friend, teacher, parent — kids will bawl in front of anyone. Despite this seemingly immature act, it calms the nerves. After the turmoil of daily life builds up and throwing your pillow against a wall ceases to work, crying is the only act that will do.

But let’s face it: Someone witnessing your meltdown is embarrassing. In the privacy of your bedroom, turn up the stereo and let loose.

##Gimme, gimme!

Kids these days are spoiled. The 4-year-old neighbor I used to baby-sit had everything I didn’t: a desktop computer with millions of games, flat-panel TVs in every room, a purebred Collie she used as her personal go-cart, even her own queen-size bed. She was practically an infant and she already owned everything an adult wants.

To make up for lost time, why not spoil yourself now? Yes, we’re poor college students, but a little self indulgence does the mind good. Next time you think you don’t deserve that designer handbag, think again! It’s just a toy you’ve always had coming but never got.

##Party time

Remember all those birthday parties you were invited to when you were a kid? You’d travel to Chuck E. Cheese, gorge on pizza and cake and then watch your friend get all sorts of good presents.

No more Chuck E. Cheese, but there are still parties galore. We dress up for them like we used to, except now we drink beer instead of mom’s Kool-Aid and we’ve replaced musical chairs with flippy cup. I like our version better.

##Sibling rivalry

Hillary Gelden, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, understands that fighting with her brother, Hank, must be genetic.

“We used to fight about who could play “Super Mario Brothers 3” first,” says Gelden. Now, petty arguments have progressed into more serious issues.

“Now it’s all about who’s using too much bathroom time, who ate the last Pop-Tart and who gets more money from the ’rents,” says Gelden.

It is completely childish, but antagonizing your siblings is fun. Antagonize sparingly, though. Someday you might need their help to get you out of a jam.

Maybe it’s the end of an era, or the wisdom that comes with age. It’s not until we reach adulthood that we begin to miss our childhood. No responsibilities, a 24/7 chauffer (thanks again, mom) and someone to make you Jell-O when you’re sick. It isn’t until we lose those things that we begin to realize that we really did have it good.

This week, reclaim what you’ve lost — with no adult guilt.